I would like to provide insight on how to effectively birddog when getting started and facing similiar challenges.Here's an example of some of the topics:What is birddoggingWhy choose birddoggingHow can birddogging help me get started as an investorWhat do you need to start birddogging (Contracts, Closings, Negotiations)What are the steps you need to take in order to get started and be successfulMarketing TechniquesNetworking Techniques (How to find a Mentor)Goal SettingPlease let me know if there is a topic a Newbie have to know that I may have overlooked.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you didn't mention an area of interest, I added links below to three of the most popular niches for you to choose one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

A variation on the theme which I considered but chose not to use would be, instead of buying the appliances, window coverings, bathroom finishings and landscaping, I could have given the tenants an “upgrade” budget, where I still approve and pay for stuff, but they pick it out and choose the installers and landscapers and painters.

I wouldn't stake my reputation on any particular number at this point.

When I am asked for my opinion on getting a college degree, I will tend to say something like "...it doesn't matter what degree you choose, however, you should defiantly minor in Business Admin"Business Admin will give you an introduction in what it takes to commercialize your talents.

I've gotten education in the whole process and I've been doing a lot of self educating on sites like these too, and I have every intention on making my business respected and reputable.

I work for a window company, and although I am in Canada, some info could be relevant:the most insulation you get from the most to the least: fixed, awning, casement, sliders, hungthe most expensive are usually awning and casements, then hung and sliders, and then fixedif choosing between vinyl and wood, I would recommend vinyl. 

So if you're planning on having several properties in one LLC, then which state you want to choose will be a factual decision.

I choose real estate to help pay for my children's education, hopefully go on that big family trip and to have financial freedom. 

Your cpa will be able to get the real numbers for the major components of the house.But you must choose a depreciation model and stick with it.